Monetary Rewards and Your Child’s Health

 

Obesity is a serious health concern for children and adolescents.  Recent studies estimate that 17 percent of children and adolescents ages 2-19 are obese. Experts agree that the lack of physical activity and poor eating habits are contributing factors to this national epidemic.

Mike Heppert, a physical education professional, has developed a unique solution to this serious problem.  Mike has developed the Physical Activity Rewards System or P.A.R.S. Using rewards as an incentive, P.A.R.S. is a designed to increase physical activity and decrease sedentary time.  Here’s how P.A.R.S works:

• Parent and child agree on rewards for pre-determined amount of time spent in physical activity.
• The time is tracked and measured with the Polar Activity Watch.
• Time is uploaded to the P.A.R.S. software
• The P.A.R.S. software tracks the earned time against the goal.

Once the child reaches the goal, he or she receives the agreed upon reward.  Some P.A.R.S. families have used monetary rewards with great success.  Families can make the reward a fixed monetary amount for an increase in physical activity, or they can determine a variable amount based on the time spent in physical activity. 

As the saying goes, “You cannot manage what you don’t measure.”  P.A.R.S. utilizes scientific research that shows how rewards affect behaviors. Behavioral studies have told us that frequent monetary and social rewards for increased physical activity and better nutrition can help young persons achieve and maintain their ideal weight. Additionally, corporations and insurance companies are on the bandwagon, by offering cash rewards or reduced premiums to adults who adopt healthy lifestyle changes.

 

To find out more about Mike Heppert and New Way Fitness’ Physical Activity Rewards System, visit their website New Way Fitness or e-mail Mike at Mike@newwayfitness.com.

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